Where to Get Ashes in Austin on Ash Wednesday 2026

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Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026 in Austin, Texas. Many churches across the city offer both traditional Ash Wednesday services and more flexible options like drive-through or 'ashes to go' to accommodate work and school schedules. Several Catholic parishes schedule multiple services throughout the day, with some starting as early as 6 or 7 a.m. to cater to commuters, students and parents. Some Protestant congregations also provide early or commuter-friendly options for receiving ashes.

Why it matters

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of obligation in the Catholic Church, meaning practicing Catholics are expected to attend Mass. While many associate the tradition primarily with Catholicism, several Protestant denominations also observe it. The ashes symbolize human mortality and the call to spiritual renewal, linking the observance to the broader liturgical calendar.

The details

The ashes typically come from burned palm branches used during the previous year's Palm Sunday. While Ash Wednesday is not a public holiday, it marks the start of Lent, the 40-day Christian season of reflection, fasting and preparation leading up to Easter. Many participants also fast or abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday.

• Ash Wednesday falls on February 18, 2026.
• In 2026, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 5.
• Lent lasts 40 days, not counting Sundays, and ends before Easter.